ὁρατός (horatos)
horatos
visible
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective horatos simply means "visible" or "open to view." It describes anything that can be seen with the physical eye, standing in contrast to what is hidden or spiritual. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Colossians 1:16.
Paul uses it to distinguish between created things and the Creator himself. He writes that all things were created by Christ, whether they are "visible" (ta horata) or invisible. This usage highlights the totality of creation, encompassing everything within the physical realm that humans can perceive.
The word derives from the verb horao, which means to see or perceive. By using this specific term, Paul emphasizes the tangible nature of the material world, while simultaneously pointing out that it is not the ultimate reality, as the invisible aspects of God's power are also present in creation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word horatos reminds us that the physical world is real and meaningful. When Paul wrote to the Colossians, he used this term to describe everything we can see with our eyes. This includes the earth beneath our feet, the sky above us, and the people we meet each day. It affirms that God cares about the tangible aspects of our lives, not just abstract spiritual ideas.
Yet Paul also places visible things alongside invisible ones. He shows that while we experience the material world, there is a deeper reality behind it. The Creator stands apart from creation, yet He sustains both the seen and the unseen. This balance helps us appreciate our surroundings without forgetting that God’s power shapes what lies beyond our sight.
For your faith, this means you can trust in God’s presence within your daily experiences. Whether you are working, resting, or serving others, you are part of a world He made and holds together. Let this truth bring peace as you navigate the challenges of life, knowing that nothing is outside His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- visible1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὁρατὰ1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 1:16
For by him all things were created in the heavens and on the earth, visible things and invisible things, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things have been created through him and for him.
This verse uses horatos to categorize all created things into visible and invisible realms, showing Christ’s authority over the entire physical universe.